'Israel' clings to US-backed Witkoff plan as Hamas backs truce deal

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
30 Mar 2025 23:55

"Israel" is clinging to a US-backed ceasefire proposal that sidesteps core Palestinian demands, despite Hamas accepting a truce plan endorsed by regional mediators.

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Mourners pray over the bodies of Jehad Abu Sultan, his wife Amal, their three children Dana, Hasan, and Habeba, along with other relatives and a neighbor, all killed during an Israeli army strike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on the first day of the Muslim holiday of Eid, Sunday, March 30, 2025 (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Israeli officials are reportedly holding fast to the Witkoff proposal, a ceasefire framework advanced by US Middle East envoy Stephen Witkoff, as a condition for moving forward in negotiations with the Palestinian Resistance—despite Hamas's acceptance of a truce plan presented by regional mediators.

According to Israeli media outlets citing sources involved in the talks, Tel Aviv continues to reject key Palestinian demands, including a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the release of a significant number of prisoners. These demands form the basis of Hamas's position for entering the second phase of ceasefire negotiations, aimed at ending the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza.

Israeli Channel 12 correspondent Yaron Abraham reported that the occupation submitted a counterproposal to Hamas's plan, and is now waiting for responses from mediators, particularly Qatar and Egypt, who continue to facilitate the talks.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority quoted unnamed sources saying that "Hamas is demanding international guarantees to ensure that the war will not resume", as well as a firm Israeli commitment to halt its aggression.

New agreement on the horizon

Despite efforts to stall, Hamas confirmed on Saturday its approval of the mediators' proposal, with senior leader Khalil al-Hayya expressing hope that the occupation does not derail efforts to halt the violence.

"We hope that Israel will not obstruct efforts to end the aggression," al-Hayya stated, reaffirming that the Resistance factions had submitted proposals focused on ending hostilities and safeguarding Palestinian rights.

The Witkoff proposal, backed by Washington, calls for a temporary extension of the ceasefire in return for the release of a limited number of captives, including bodies, without addressing Hamas’s central demands for a permanent ceasefire, full withdrawal, and comprehensive prisoner release.

In an attempt to soften criticism, Israeli media correspondent Amichai Stein claimed that "Israel insists that humanitarian aid be directed to civilians during the ceasefire," though rights groups have long noted that Tel Aviv continues to obstruct meaningful aid access while intensifying its genocidal campaign.

Hamas, in contrast, has continued to push for a broader vision rooted in liberation. Al-Hayya noted that the movement had taken steps toward national reconciliation by engaging diplomatically with Russia and China, and had accepted Egypt's initiative to form a civil oversight committee to manage Gaza's affairs in a post-war phase.